about us
Why the group was formed
The Hampshire Coppice Group was formed in 2003 to promote the traditional craft of coppicing and other associated crafts, by supporting the skilled craftspeople who depend upon it.
During the previous 60 years, coppice management had declined dramatically across Hampshire. As coppice workers decreased woodlands fell out of active management, and many traditional woodland craft were at risk of being lost—including hurdle making, spar making, charcoal burning and hedge laying.
The decline of these skills has had a significant impact not only on our rural heritage but also on the health of our woodlands and landscapes. Coppiced woodland provides a rich and varied habitat for wildlife, and without regular management many important species have suffered.
For more than 20 years, the Hampshire Coppice Group has been helping to reverse this decline by encouraging sustainable woodland management, supporting traditional woodland crafts, and inspiring a new generation of coppice workers.
As a result, more woodland across the county is once again being actively managed, endangered heritage crafts are being practised and passed on, and long-neglected woodlands are being brought back to life—benefiting both people and wildlife for generations to come.
In 2026 Butser ancient farm in association with Hampshire Coppice Group held the first Wood fayre for many years in Hampshire, bringing together some of the most endangered coppice and rural crafts including Besom broom making, wheel Wrights, spar makers, willow weavers and more.
What is coppicing?
Coppicing is the traditional practice of cutting trees close to ground level so that they regrow naturally. This renewable woodland management system has been used in Britain for thousands of years, producing timber, fencing materials, firewood, charcoal and wildlife habitat.
For a more in-depth view take a look at our FAQ page entry on the subject.
Why does Coppicing Matters Today?
Over the past 60 years, the way our woodlands and countryside have been managed has changed dramatically. This shift has had a profound impact on wildlife, with many insects, mammals and especially songbirds suffering significant declines. Some bird species have fallen by as much as 60%.
Although woodland wildlife has generally fared better than species in the wider countryside, many woodland species have still declined by more than 30%, partly because of the loss of traditionally managed coppice woodland.
Woodland butterflies have been particularly affected, with some species disappearing from much of their former range. By restoring coppice management, the woodland canopy is opened up, allowing sunlight to reach the woodland floor. This encourages the growth of the wildflowers and food plants that butterflies and other insects depend on for breeding and feeding.
Regular coppicing also brings dormant woodland plants back to life. Many of these woodland flowers are now scarce or threatened, and they support a rich diversity of insects. These insects, in turn, provide vital food for woodland wildlife such as dormice and birds including the mistle thrush, helping to create healthier, more resilient woodland ecosystems.
Supporting local coppice workers does more than preserve traditional woodland skills. Many heritage woodland crafts are now as endangered as the wildlife they help to protect. By buying locally made coppice products, you are helping to keep these crafts alive while investing in the long-term health of your local landscape.
Choosing locally produced woodland products also reduces transport miles, lowers your carbon footprint and supports local rural businesses.
Coppicing offers important climate benefits too. Research by Forest Research, the research agency of the Forestry Commission, has shown that actively managed coppice can capture and store more carbon per hectare than many longer-rotation woodland management systems. By keeping woodlands in active management, coppicing not only benefits wildlife but also plays an important role in helping to tackle climate change.